Thousands of fun-seekers on July 13, reveled on the grounds of Monte Irvin Orange Park, Orange, New Jersey, many wearing Caribbean colors to celebrate the annual Guyana and Caribbean Fun Day, hosted by Guyanese American Lady Ira Lewis in collaboration with Senator Britnee N. Timberlake.
Opening her speech with Bob Marley’s hit song “One Love,” Sen. Timberlake spoke of the importance of unity among diasporans, “not buying into anything that separates us, but understanding that we are all brothers and sisters being able to amass power to make positive change throughout the world, because we stay together,” she noted.
“I am happy that I represent District 34, which includes Orange. I hope you are enjoying yourself,” said Sen. Timberlake, who lauded Ira Lewis, president of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation Inc., who hosts the Guyana Independence Flag-raising ceremony, in East Orange. The entertainment promoter and former Executive Legislative Aide to Sen. Timberlake was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding community service.
Timberlake, who became the youngest Senator of the 34th Legislative District, a humanitarian, and advocate, told the crowd that no one does it like Lady Ira. “She leads from Guyana, across the Caribbean, in the African and black diaspora, and all over the globe.
“She has always given her life to community service and family. She believes deeply in these things and does it so much that you can see it in her actions.”
“I don’t believe what people say, but what they do. She has a school in Guyana, she’s always giving donations to Guyana, and locally. She organizes school drives and food pantries for people who are in need, toy drives, and, obviously, this beautiful festival. Thank you, Lady Ira, for dedicating your life to community. On behalf of myself and your committee, thank you,” said the politician. She then called on Council Member of the City of East Orange, Naiima Fauntleroy, to present Lewis, a humanitarian, a bouquet of red roses.
She lauded the festival for celebrating culture, love, and togetherness and referenced Bob Marley’s song “War,” which says, “until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes.”
“That’s the way the world should be. We should not judge one another based on our personalities and our interactions. Let’s raise our children to believe the same because the world needs a lot of help right now,” said Sen. Timberlake.
Caryle Fraser Taxo received the Best Supporting Family of the Year Award, while Rafeeza Shahabudeen was presented with the Teacher of the Year honor. Ras Emanuel was named Reggae Ambassador.
Others were Darren Wade Esq. Mariam Washington, Malcolm X. Shabazz High School, Kester Dean, Mark Xclusive, and others.
Busloads of picknickers from Brooklyn joined thousands of other celebrants, many who were seen embracing each other, shaking hands, and “liming,” during the day of camaraderie, fine cuisine, and friendly competition of sack race.
The boys and girls also joined in the fun, with Funbash jumbo games, a bouncy house, and races that garnered them medals.
African drummer Carlye Fraser poured a libation, and Professor Energy, loud music, dancing, and waving flags in the summer heat created an unforgettable Caribbean vibe.
From Brooklyn-based rapper Ofri—the UFO’s fiery performance, belting out his single “STATS” to Nigel Joseph’s Soca lyrics and young Tim’s dynamic Hip-hop performance, the show went on for hours, with Wayne Baggot’s reggae mix.
Later, popular Guyanese reggae artist Pablo G and sensational recording artist Ryan Royston Lynton, aka Gucci Boss, revved up the crowd.
Spins by DJ Paul, internet influencer Lady Diamond, and many other acts made the event quite entertaining.
The festival could not have been the success it was without food vendors and raffle giveaways. Dancers wearing a giant Golden Arrowhead Guyana flag performed a tribute to Guyana’s culture with Dave Martian’s song “Not a Bade of Grass.”
Trendy aficionado Da Nu Juice, in turn, showcased a bevy of models in fashionable outfits, which added flair to the event.
LaParkan Shipping, Caribbean Power Jam Radio, Springer Printing, The Hills Restaurant, Glasgow Brothers Mobile, Exit Realty, the Hair Salon, A&G International Cuisine, Hits & Jams, PSE&G, Guyana Ex Athletes & Friends Inc., Principles over Politics, and Sous Music Group provided sponsorship.
Thanks also to Emcees Kester Dean and LaShawn Inverary and the Miss CARICOM Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with founder Monica Sanchez.
Others are M&M Services Group, L.I.F.E- Hope for the Children, Party Zone, Shifting the Paradigm, TT Marshall, The Cottages Guyana Vacation Rentals, Sun Splash Juice Bar, for their contribution.
Lady Ira Lewis thanked the committee members for their dedication to making the Family Fun Day. They are Leon Brummel, Orin Jay Mingo, Janet Mitchell, Collett Boston, Grace Bynoe, Rafeeza Shahabudeen, Afia Hickson, Sherida Hinckson, Yvonne Marshall, LaShawn Inverary, Enid Wilson, and Judy Joel.
